Loreyna Barea

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Seven year old LoReyna Barea suffering from severe dehydration. She was so emaciated that her joints, ribs and spine were clearly visible.  She weighed only 34.8 pounds, which is less than the 3rd percentile for her age. Her tiny body had at least 68 cuts and bruises. LoReyna's aunt and uncle were her legal guardians they told investigators that LoReyna was a happy child and that they have no idea how she suffered all of her injuries. Police and medical officials came to a different conclusion, alleging that LoReyna died as a result of physical abuse and a lack of medical care. On March 9, 2007 Loreyna died of blunt force trauma and acute dehydration.

 

On February 26, 2007 a relative called Weld County social services to complain that the children in Genevieve Barea‘s home behaved oddly and were afraid of Barea, the complaint was quickly written off. Even if the accusations made were true, county officials concluded they simply didn‘t amount to child abuse or neglect.

 

If they would have just took the time to visit Barea’s home would have seen an emaciated child with less than two weeks left to live. Barea and husband Dan Partch had custody of Barea‘s niece, LoReyna, and her four brothers, ages 6 - 13. The four brothers had no reported injuries and were not malnourished. The couple was charged with child abuse resulting in death, but Partch was acquitted and charges were dismissed against Barea. Defense lawyers argued that LoReyna hurt herself in a bike accident and would often throw herself against the wall or down the stairs.

 

 

 

 

 

http://childfatalities.denverpost.com/#id=3&name=BareaLoreyna